Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Residency Program : Curricullum

PGY 2

Educational Goals:

To develop the necessary ophthalmology clinical skills for diagnosing and managing basic inpatient and outpatient ophthalmic problems, as well as developing research skills in clinical and/or basic science areas relating to ophthalmology.

Responsibilities:

Complete the Ophthalmic Pathology rotation.

Begin work on the American Academy of Ophthalmology‘s Basic and Clinical Science Course.

Identify subject material for publication

Make presentations at conferences, including monthly grand rounds.

Take call on a rotational basis.

Develop clinical diagnostic skills.

Skills Addressed:

Refraction techniques

Slit-lamp examination techniques

Indirect and direct ophthalmoscopy

Interpretation of fluorescein angiograms

During the PGY-2 year, residents will work in the department‘s outpatient clinic under the supervision of faculty physicians and senior residents. Responsibilities will increase as clinical skills advance.During this first year, residents are expected to begin clinical or basic research projects, attend conferences and training sessions to promote development of clinical skills, and receive their introduction to surgery.

PGY 3

Educational Goals:

To develop increasing independence in the performance of examinations and procedures.

Responsibilities:

Continue work on the American Academy of Ophthalmology‘s Basic and Clinical Science Course.

Serve on rotations at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas.

Assist medical students, PGY-2 ophthalmology residents, and residents on electives from other departments.

Serve as back-up call for PGY-2 residents on a rotational basis.

Prepare manuscript for publication.

Skills Addressed:

Surgical skills

Clinical skills

Teaching skills

Leadership skills

During this year, residents will assume greater responsibility in the day-to-day operation of the clinic by maintaining a sustained level of involvement with patients, medical students, primary care residents, and allied health personnel. Also during this year, residents are expected to increase their learning efficiency, as well as research and presentation skills. Surgery participation will also increase.

PGY 4

Educational Goals:

To achieve the clinical and surgical competence necessary for the independent practice of comprehensive ophthalmology.

Responsibilities:

Complete the American Academy of Ophthalmology‘s Basic and Clinical Science Course.

Continue to serve on rotations at the VA Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas.

Achieve a high level of clinical and surgical competence.

Assume increased leadership role in training medical students, other residents, and technicians.

Organize and participate in conferences.

Assist medical students, PGY-2 and PGY-3 ophthalmology residents, and residents on electives from other departments.

Submit manuscript for publication.

Skills Addressed:

Surgical skills

Independent decision making

Teaching skills

Investigative and presentation skills

Leadership skills

Responsibilities during the PGY-4 year will approach those of a full staff physician, and surgical experience will be a major part of the year‘s development. By the end of residency training, physicians should be confident, competent, and highly ethical comprehensive ophthalmologists with a sufficiently strong clinical foundation to enter practice or to proceed with further training in academics for those who have an interest in subspecialty, teaching, or research careers.